The San Francisco 49ers released cornerback Jack Jones on Wednesday, a day after trading for returning defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, as the team made roster room following a difficult week on defense.
San Francisco sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday to bring Buckner back to the Bay Area, six years after trading him away to the Colts. To fit Buckner onto the roster, the 49ers had to clear a spot, and Jones was the one let go.
Jones’ release came days after a rough performance in San Francisco’s 29-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, which snapped the team’s unbeaten start to the season. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. targeted Jones repeatedly, beating him in coverage several times. Jones was also flagged for a costly pass-interference penalty that helped extend an Atlanta drive.
Jones played seven games for the 49ers without a start, finishing his time with the team with 11 tackles and three passes defensed. That marked a diminished role compared with last season, when he started 17 games for the Miami Dolphins and recorded 77 tackles, six passes defensed and an interception before signing a one-year deal with San Francisco in April.
During training camp, the 28-year-old had shown promise with the 49ers’ second-team defense, but a hand injury cut short his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans.
San Francisco was Jones’ fourth NFL team in five seasons. A fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, he impressed as a rookie with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His time in New England ended in November 2023, when he was released following a team suspension and consecutive benchings. He later played for the Las Vegas Raiders and the Dolphins, totaling eight interceptions and four touchdown returns across his first four seasons.
Buckner rejoins a 49ers team sitting at 6-1 but dealing with injuries to key players, including Nick Bosa and Mike Evans, as the roster needs remain a focus heading into the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
The 49ers are coming off their bye week and are set to host the Raiders on Nov. 8, two days before the deadline.
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